Meeker resigned Monday after two years leading the agency that is charged with guarding against flooding, protecting drinking water supplies and leading Everglades restoration.

Meeker via email Wednesday said she is taking a job as vice president at CSA Ocean Sciences, an environmental consulting firm with domestic and international clients, ranging from oil companies to South Florida utilities and counties.

Meeker said the firm does not do business with the South Florida Water Management District and doesn't plan to "in the foreseeable future."

Meeker said she was not asked to step aside at the district, but that the job opportunity with CSA Ocean Sciences was too tempting not to take.

"I was not looking for a job. I love working at the district and strongly believe in its mission and staff," Meeker said.

Meeker, who leaves on the eve of hurricane season, in a letter to the district board chairman said she "treasured the opportunity" to lead the district "during a very challenging period."

June 7 is scheduled to be her last day at the district.

The district's nine-member governing board, appointed by Gov. Rick Scott, now must select a replacement for Meeker. The board at its June 13 meeting is expected to name an interim executive director.

Meeker was named executive director in May 2011 following the resignation of previous executive director Carol Wehle.

Meeker helped guide the district through a difficult period that included a $100 million state-imposed budget cut that led to 134 layoffs.

She also helped craft a new $880 million Everglades restoration plan aimed at resolving a lingering legal fight over Florida's failure to meet water quality standards.

“Melissa Meeker has ably advanced Governor Scott’s agenda with the water quality plan and reducing the District’s budget. She held one of the toughest jobs in Florida and deserves our gratitude,” Audubon of Florida Executive Director Eric Draper said

Scott in a statement released Tuesday said Meeker has been "a tremendous asset" to the district and that she was "instrumental" in helping create the new Everglades water quality plan.

Meeker was one of former Gov. Charlie Crist’s appointees to the South Florida Water Management District governing board, serving from 2007-09.

Meeker took the position of district executive director less than two months after she was appointed to a new post in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, helping oversee all of Florida's water management districts.

She is a former environmental consultant who has worked for the Department of Environmental Protection as well as the South Florida Water Management District.